USC rebounds with 35-7 rout over Boston College

Southern California running back Tre Madden (23) reacts with teammate offensive tackle Kevin Graf (77) after catching a 5 yard touchdown pass against Boston College during the first half of an NCAA college football game in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013.
(Photo by Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News)

USC coach Lane Kiffin was cheered wildly for his first play call of the game Saturday against Boston College.

It was all in mockery, but it that was still better than last week’s thunderous boos.

Kiffin called for a deep pass, and even though quarterback Cody Kessler’s pass was overthrown for Marqise Lee, it showed Kiffin was willing to open up his playbook following the debacle of a loss to Washington State.

Last week, the Trojans ran too many screens that went bust as they scored just seven points.

The Trojans offense looked like a machine on their second drive, which resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass from Kessler to Tre Madden off the play-action. That was a 14-play drive that spanned 86 yards in 7:44.

That is the kind of USC offense fans are accustomed to in Los Angeles. When the game ended, it was all cheers for USC, even as Kiffin ran through the tunnel on his way to the locker room. He gave fans a “fight on” sign as he ran by.

Kessler had a fine game, completing 15 of 17 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Max Wittek entered the game in the fourth quarter and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run for the 28-point differential.

Running back Tre Madden ran for 102 yards on 16 carries and scored one rushing touchdown and one receiving. Madden has rushed for more than 100 yards in all three USC (2-1) games this season.

He’s the first running back to accomplish that feat since Marcus Allen did so in 1981.

The Trojans held a 14-0 halfitme lead over Boston College, which couldn’t stop the run or pass.

Kessler found Marqise Lee for an 80-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, and embattled coach Kiffin was running down the sideline and fist-pumping after the score. It was a mid-range pass by Kessler, and Lee used his speed to go the distance.

USC had its share of mistakes, including six penalties for 65 yards in the first half. There were two roughing the passer penalties. The only time there was booing was on linebacker Devon Kennard roughing the passer penalty, but it was the right call.